I make to
paying you. Of course, I shall expect to pay high interest. I am willing
to pay you three hundred dollars for two; unless I am sick, I think I
can do it inside of twelve months."

"How much money do you suppose you will need for this wild-goose
expedition?"

"About two hundred dollars, sir; and, as I just said, I will give you my
note for three."

"A boy's note is worth nothing."

"Perhaps it isn't in law; but I wouldn't rest till it was paid back."

"What security have you to offer?"

"None, sir, except my word."

"Do you know what I would be if I lent you this money?"

"You would be very kind."

"Pish! I should be a fool."

"I don't think you'd lose anything by it, sir; but, of course, I can't
blame you for refusing," and Tom rose to go.

"Sit down again," said the squire; "I want to talk to you about this
matter. How long have you been thinking of California?"

"Only two or three days, sir."

"What made you think of it?"

"I wanted to help father."

"Who has told you about California?"

"I have read about it in the papers."

"Have you spoken to your father about going there?"

"I have spoken to him about leaving home, and seeking my fortune; but I
have not mentioned going to California, because I thought it impossible
to raise the necessary money."

"Of course. That's sensible, at least."

Squire Hudson rose and walked thoughtfully about the room, occasionally
casting a keen glance at Tom, who remained sitting, with his pail of
huckleberries in his cap.

After a while the squire spoke again.

"Your father might let you have the money," he suggested.

"My father has no money to spare," said Tom quickly.

"Couldn't he raise some?"

"I don't know how."

"Then I'll tell you. I hold a mortgage for two thousand dollars on his
farm. I suppose you know that?"

"Yes, sir."

"I might be willing to increase the mortgage to twenty-two hundred, and
he could lend you the extra two hundred."

This was a new idea to Tom, and he took a little time to think it over.

"I don't like to ask father to do that," he said. "He finds it very hard
now to pay the interest on the mortgage."

"I thought you intended to pay the money in a year," said the squire
sharply.

"So I do," said Tom, and he began to think more favorably of the plan.

"In that case your father wouldn't suffer."

"You are right, sir. If father would only consent to do so, I would be
happy. But I might die."

"Your fa